REAL WEDDING Better Together 10548 views

Louise & Alan
4 May 2008

They Met The couple first came in contact when Alan messaged Louise on the website faceparty. As they were both living in Northampton, they met up! After three years together, Alan proposed in their favourite local restaurant Buddies. Louise says, 'the staff were so chuffed they presented us with a special dessert decorated with a sparkler!'

Wedding Venue
Alan and Louise started looking for a venue in their local area straight away. They both agreed The Atrium at Whittlebury Park was best. It was close to the church, had plenty of room, looked stunning and was right for the budget. It also offered a room for Louise's Dad to take a nap halfway through the day - which he did!

The Theme Lilac and silver set the colour theme for the day. As a special touch, the couple had a wishing well (the guests were informed beforehand). And the tables were named after the couple's favourite computer games. Top table was named The Sim's with a picture of the couple at Buddies on the night they got engaged.

What They Wore
Louise wore an Ellis Bridal Dress in ivory crushed taffeta with hand made hair accessories and jewellery from Brides of Wellingborough. Her shoes were an eBay purchase, for just £20. Alan had a traditional grey morning suit with an ivory waistcoat and lilac cravat, hired from Warwicks in Wellingborough. The two bridesmaids, Helen (the bride's sister) and best friend Bethan wore lilac dresses. With Bethan being 22 weeks pregnant, it was lucky that Helen was a fashion graduate and was able to make their dresses. Although she was still finishing Bethan's at 1.20pm on the wedding day! To complete the entourage, young bridesmaid Harriet wore an ivory dress from Bhs and flowergirl Darcy wore an ivory dress from Next.

The Cake Louise’s Mum made the cake. it was a square white cake, with two tiers of sponge and on of fruit. 'We decorated the cake with lilac ribbon and lilac butterflies', says Louise.

The Flowers Louise carried a posy of purple tulips and white roses by Kiktas Kreations with the bridesmaids holding smaller versions. Alan's Mum and sisters decorated the church while at the reception, purple and cream tulips were placed in funky square vases bought from IKEA.

First Dance The newlyweds danced to Jack Johnson - Better Together. They were meant to be showered with an exploding balloon - but the 'popping device' (a stick with a pin on the end) was mislaid!

A Moment to Remember
'Saying our vows in the church and cherishing every moment!', says Louise.

Honeymoon The couple spent their first night in a luxurious suite with a Jacuzzi at the Whittlebury Hall Hotel. 'The room was bigger than our house', laughs Louise. And for the honeymoon, the couple headed to the Riviera Maya in Mexico - it was the perfect honeymoon choice.

Any Advice 'Do as much as possible at the start when are still excited and motivated. Don’t leave things til the last minute, get everything finished so you can enjoy the lead up to the wedding without panicking', says Louise. And Alan adds, 'Don’t worry about your speech, no matter what you say, everyone seems to love it!'


Louise & Alan’s Contact Book:
Venue: The Atrium, Whittlebury Park 01327 850 000 whittlebury.com
Photographer: Clare Louise Photography 01926 811270 clare-louise.co.uk
Dress: Brides of Wellingborough 01933 270 560 bridesofwellingborough.co.uk
Groomswear: Warwicks 01933 224981 warwicks.net

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